Ash receptacle and assembly



April 1940- J. VISSER 96,372

ASH RECEPTACLE AND ASSEMBLY Filed NOV. 17, 1938 llllllllll QW J0%71 e2.

Patented Apr. 9, 1940 UNITED ,STA

ASH RECEPTACLE AND ASSEMBLY John Visser, Grand Rapids, Mich., assignorto 'F. L. Jacobs 00., Detroit, Mich.,a corporation of Michigan Application November 17,1938, Serial No. 240,943 9 Claims. (01. zoo-19.5)

This invention relates to an ash receptacle and ash receptacle assembly.

In-the design and construction of ash receptacles, and particularly ash receptacles which are T designed to be mounted on a metal panel or plate member'such as the instrument panel of an automobile or other vehicle, it is highly important that the assembly be decorative in its external appearance, be rugged andreliable in use, be substantially free from vibration and noise, be

economical to manufacture and simpleto assemble. I

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel ash receptacle and ash receptacle assembly which possesses the above highly desirable characteristics.

Another'and further object of the present invention is'to provide a novel ash receptacle as sembly' including an ash-receiving box, a. deeora- 2o, tive panel, and a knob which are secured together in a novel'manner.

Another and'still further'object of the present invention is to provide an ash-receiving box having a frusto-conical recess in a front wall thereof and having a decorative panel disposed over the front wall of the box, a complementary frusto-conical raised portion on the panel being arranged to be seated in the' frusto-conical recess of the box and in which a single detachable fastening element secures the'panel to the box and also secures a knob on "the front face .of the panel.

The novel features which I believe to be characteristic' of my invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. My invention itself, however, both asto its organization and manner of construction, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure l is a side elevational View, partly in cross section, of the ash receptacle and ash retially rectangular opening I l therein within which an ash receptacle i2 is mounted for a limited angular movement therethrough The support ormounting frame 10 is arranged to be mounted on a substantially vertically disposed plate or panel member l3. understood that the panel member l3 may be the principal panel member on which the ash receptacle assembly is tobemounted, or it may com- Hi. It ,has been found desirable to provide the mounting frame ill with this second apertured portion for the purpose of receiving other aux-. iliary equipment (not shown), such, for example, as acigar or cigarette lighter construction either It will of course be of the removableplug type or of theself-lighting I socket type in which a cigar or cigarette is merely inserted into a cylindrical socket member where it is automatically lighted.

The frame or mounting member i0 is provided 1 with a rearwardly and downwardly extending curved cover portion I5 which is arranged to extend over the opened upper end of the ashy The principal or front portion of integral rearwardly bent tongue or lip I? which" extends back under the forwardedge of the cover member or portion 15. The cover member I5 is spot-welded soldered, or otherwise suitably secured to the frame member It.

In order that the ash receptacle !2 may be supported in the frame It in a manner to permit angular or rocking movement intoand out of the opening H of the frame H), a portion l8 of the stock which is cut away in forming the aperture II in the frame Ii] is left integral with, the frame In along the lower edge iii of the aperture II. This portion I8 is bent rearwardly and downwardly in a curved surface, which, as will presently be pointed out, comprises a support and bearing surface for the ash receptacle 12.

A second integral andsmaller tab or tongue 20 is also, struck from the frame member [0, it being left integral with the latter along its lower edge. The tab or tongue 26 is bent obliquely rearwardly and upwardly and is arranged to be seated on and detachably secured to a complementary lip portion 2i of the panel or support plate I3. As is shown in Figure 1 of the drawing, the detachable connection between the tongue 26 and the lip portion 2i may be made by a nut and bolt 22 or in any other suitable manner.

The ash receptacle I2 which is adapted to be mounted in and supported by the frame member I0 comprises in general an ash-receiving box 23, a decorative panel 24 and a knob 25. The ash-receiving box 23 is preferably formed of a plurality of sheet metal parts which are spot-welded or otherwise suitably secured together. More particularly, the ash-receiving box 23 includes a pair of side walls 26, and a sheet metal strip 21 which is bent to form a front and a rear wall 28 and 29, respectively, and a bottom 30 a portion of which is transversely curved as at 3! to form a surface complementary to the bearing surface I8. The side walls 26 are provided with turned flanges 32 which are bent over the adjacent edges of the strip 21 and spot-welded or otherwise suitably secured thereto.

In order to minimize frictional wear on the side walls of the ash receptacle I2, the top edges of the side walls 26 are provided with a spacing rib 33. The spacing ribs may be conveniently formed by bending the upper marginal portion of each side wall 26 outwardly slightly and then by terminating it in an inturned curled edge portion. The top edges of the side walls 26 are of course longitudinally curved so as to be complementary to and lie under the curved cover member I5 of the frame and supporting structure I0.

As is shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing, the bottom edge of each side wall 26 is inturned to underlap the bottom portion 30 of the strip 21, as is indicated at 34. That portion of the inturned flange 34 which underlaps the transversely curved portion 3| of the bottom of the ash receptacle I2, in addition to its function of providing a seal between the side walls 26 and the bottom 30, also provides a bearing rib which is arranged to ride over the bearing surface I8. Since this reduces the bearing area of the-ash receptacle I2 on the curved bearing surface I8, it is clear that friction is greatly minimized.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, means must be provided for maintaining the ash receptacle I2 in engagement with the bearing surface I8 during the normal opening and closing operation of the ash receptacle into and out of the supporting frame Ill. This means is illustrated as a spring-biasing arrangement which engages the curved cover member l5 and forces the bearing rib portion 35 of the underlapping flanges 34 into engagement with the bearing surface I8 and maintains this engagement throughout a movement of the ash receptacle I2 from the full-line position as shown in Figure 1 to the dotted-line position as shown in Figure 1.

The spring-biasing means includes a spring member 36 having a configuration similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 3 of the drawing. This spring member 36 is secured to the rear wall 29 of the ash receptacle I2 in some suitable manner, such, for example, as by spaced locking ears 3?, there being preferably at least two on each side of the spring member 36. The spring member 36 includes a base portion 38 which lies flush against the rear wall 25 of the ash receptacle I2 and a free intermediate portion 39 which extends rearwardly from the base portion 38, upwardly substantially parallel to the rear wall 29, and then obliquely upwardly and forwardly to a point above and approximately over the top edge of the rear wall 29. The intermediate portion 39 thereafter merges into a snufier portion 40 which is provided with a slightly cup-shaped and apertured central portion 40 into which the lighted end of a cigarette or cigar may be pressed to extinguish it.

Upon a close inspection of Figure 1 of the drawing, it will be observed that there is an abrupt connecting portion 4I between the intermediate portion 39 of the spring member 36 and the snuifer end portion 40. The high point 42 of the spring member 36 is arranged to bear against a pair of parallel spaced bearing ribs 43 which are formed in the cover member I5. These spacing or bearing ribs 43, as will be clear to those skilled in the art, greatly reduce frictional wear between the spring member 36 and the cover member l5.

To limit the outward movement of the ash receptacle l2, the central portion of the inturned flange I! of the supporting frame I0 is pressed downwardly as at 44 to form a stop which will abut the portion 4| of the spring member 36 as the ash receptacle I2 is rocked outwardly in the frame Ill.

In order to completely remove the ash receptacle I2 from the supporting frame II), it is merely necessary to depress the snuifer or end portion 4|] 0:" the spring member 36 to an extent sufiicient to permit the high point 42 of the spring element 36 to pass below the stop 44. The ash receptacle I2 may then be readily removed from the supporting frame I0. In reassembling the ash receptacle I2 in the supporting frame ID, the transversely curved portion 3| of the base 30 is disposed over the bearing surface I I3 of the support, and the ash receptacle I2 is then rocked into its closed position, the high point 42 of the spring member 36 being cammed under the stop 44 of the frame I1.

The novel ash receptacle and ash receptacle assembly, including the ash-receiving box 23, the decorative panel 24 and the knob 25, and the manner in which these elements are secured together will now be discussed. The front wall 28 of the ash-receiving box 23 has pressed therein in its upper portion a frusto-conical recessed portion 45 which includes a base portion 46 and a frusto-conical side wall 41. The decorative panel or plate 24, which is designed to extend over the front wall 28 of the ash-receiving box 23, is also provided with a frusto-conical raised portion 48 which is complementary to the frustoconical recessed portion 45 of the ash-receiving box 23. This frusto-conical raised portion 48 on the rear face of the decorative panel 24 is preferably pressed or stamped in the panel so as to form a frusto-conical recessed portion on the front face of the decorative panel 24 which includes a base portion 49 and a frusto-conical side wall portion 50.

A knob 25 is provided for the structure, which is shown by way of example in Figures 1 and 3 of the drawing, as in the form of a transverse partition which extends across the frusto-conical recessed portion 48 and which is provided with convergin end walls which permit the knob to be seated on the conical side wall 58 of the recessed portion 48. The knob 25 is given any face of the ash-receiving box 23.

transverse translational movement of the panel desired ornamental configuration. One form of ornamentation which has been found pleasing to the eye is' to provide a depressed portion 5| on eitherside of the knob 25 and to provide the front face 52 of the knob with a slightly convexed curvature from top to bottom. A groove or indentation is also illustrated in the front face 52 of the knob 25 as at 53.

The knob 25 may be formed of any suitable material but is preferably formed of some suitable molded material, since such a material permits easy ornamentation thereof at minimum cost. Imbedded in the base of the knob 25 is an internally threaded sleeve 53 which is arranged to receive the threaded shank of a fastening element or bolt 54 which extends through suitable confronting apertures in the base portions 46 and 49 of the frusto-conical portions and 48, thehead of the bolt 54 being arranged to engage the rear face of the base 46 of the frustoconical portion 45. It will thus be seen that the bolt 54 not only secures the knob 25 to the ashreceiving box 23, but also secures the decorative panel 24 since the panel lies between the ashreceiving box 23 and the knob 25. It will also be apparent that, due to the fact that both the front wall 28 of the ash-receiving box 23 and the decorative panel 24 are provided with complementary frusto-conical portions, the decorative panel 24 is positioned and located on the front That is to say,

24 with respect to the front wall 28 of the ashreceiving box 23 is prevented by virtue of the fact that the frusto-conical portion 48 of the decorative panel 24 is seated in the frusto-conical portion 45 of the ash-receiving box 23. Outward separation of the panel 24 from the ash-receiving box 23 is prevented by virtue of the fastening element or bolt 54 which extends through the front wall28 of the ash-receiving box 23 and the decorative panel 24 into threaded engagement with the knob 25. There only remains, therefore, to provide some means for preventing relative rotation between the ash-receiving box 23, the decorative panel 24 and the knob 25. This may be conveniently provided by forming a lock pin on the base of the knob 25 at a point spaced from the internally threaded sleeve 53. The lock pin 55 is arranged to extend rearwardly through a set of confronting recesses in the base portions 45 and 49 of the frusto conical portions 45 and 48, respectively. Since the lock pin 55 is displaced from the only possible axis of relative rotation of the ash-receiving box 23, the decorative panel 24 and the knob 25, it is clear that the lock pin 55 will prevent relative rotation of these parts.

To augment the securing engagement between the decorative panel 24 and the ash-receiving box 23 provided by the fastening element 54, a pair of interlocking lips or tongues 56 and 51 are provided at the lower ends of the front wall 28 and the decorative panel 24, respectively. More particularly, a downwardly extending tongue or lip 56 is spot-welded or otherwise suitably secured to the front wall 28 of the ash-receiving box 23, and an upturned integral lip or tongue 5'! is turned upwardly from the lower edge of the decorative panel 24. The lip 56 is arranged to extend down into the hook-shaped lip 51 and be seated therein.

To assemble the decorative panel 24 on the front wall 28 of the ash-receiving box 23, the upturned lip 51 is hooked under the downwardly extending being guided into the confronting apertures provided therefor in the base portions 46 and 49 of the frusto-conical portions 45 and 45, respectively. The fastening element or bolt 54 is then inserted through the other set of confronting apertures provided in the base portions 45 and 45 and is threaded into the sleeve 53 and tightened until the knob 25 and the decorative panel 24 are snugly and firmly held over the front wall 28 or the ash-receiving box 23.

In order to further enhance the general appearance of the ash receptacle l2 and the assembly and mounting therefor, the mounting frame ill is constructed so that. its front or principal portion is in the form of a bezel. That is to say, the front face of the frame memberv ill is provided with a depressed flange 58. around its entire marginal portion and slightly spaced from its outer peripheral edge. That portion of the bezel which lies opposite the decorative panel 24 of the ash receptacle i2 is adapted to receive and seat the decorative panel 24 when the ash receptacle I2 is in its closed position. The peripheral edge of the decorative panel 24 is preferably inturned around its entire periphery as at 59 to provide an edge which can be conveniently and snugly seated on the bezel 58. That-portion of the bezel which lies above the top edge of the decorative panel '24 is arranged to receive and seat some auxiliary smoking accessory or other equipment (not. shown).

The bezel constructionof the supporting frame Ill, as will'be apparent to those skilled in the art, permits a flush fitting of the front face of the ash receptacle l 2 and also of any auxiliary equipment which is mounted on the frame 10' abovethe ash receptacle I 2.

The outer peripheral edge of the frame it is preferably bent rearwardly as at 55 in order to bear against the plate or panel member l3. The front-faced portion 5: which lies between the recessed flange 58 and the rearwardly bent peripheral edge 50 may be ornamented in any suit able manner which will enhance the general appearance of the assembly.

As shown in Figure 2 of the drawing, the frame member if) is provided with two slots 62 through which a frame member attaching tongue carried by the main supporting structure [3 may be inserted and bent down to augment the detachable connection made by the nut and bolt unit 22 which secures the tongue 25 to the lip 2 I. These slots 52 may, however, be omitted and the frame l5 secured to the panel It in any other suitable manner.

While I have shown a particular embodiment of my invention, it will of course be understood that I do not wish to be limited thereto, as many modifications may be made, and I therefore contemplate by the appended claims to cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit wall thereof, a decorative panel mounted over the front wall of said box and having a raised portion on the rear thereof seated in and complementary to said recessed portion, a knob mounted on the front of said panel, and a securing element extending from said recessed portion through said raised portion of said panel into securing engagement with said knob, whereby said securing element also secures said panel to said ash-receiving box.

2. An ash receptacle comprising an ash-receiving box having a recessed portion in the front wall thereof, a sheet metal decorative panel mounted over the front wall of said box and having a raised portion on the rear thereof seated in and complementary to said recessed portion, a knob mounted on the front of said panel, and a single securing element extending from said recessed portion through said raised portion of said panel into securing engagement with said knob, whereby said single securing element also secures said panel to said ash-receiving box.

3. An ash receptacle comprising an ash-receiving box having a recessed portion in the front wall thereof, a sheet metal decorative panel mounted over the front wall of said box and having a raised portion pressed up on the rear thereof seated in and complementary to said recessed portion, said pressed-up portion of said panel forming a recessed portion on the front wall of said panel, a knob mounted in said panel recessed portion, and an attaching element extending through said recessed portion of said box and said pressed-up portion of said panel into securing engagement with said knob, whereby said attaching element also secures said panel to said ash-receiving box.

4. An ash receptacle comprising an ash-receiving box having a frusto-conical recess in a front wall thereof, a decorative panel mounted over the front wall of said box and having a complementary frusto-conical portion seated in said wall recess of said box, said portion also providing a frusto-conical recess in the front face of said panel, a knob disposed in the recess of said panel, and a fastening element extending from the front wall of said box through said panel into engagement with said knob, said knob fastening element also serving to retain said panel in desired position on the front wall of said box.

5. An ash receptacle comprising an ash-receiving box having a recessed portion in the front wall thereof, a decorative panel mounted over the front wall of said box and having a raised portion on the rear thereof seated in and complementary to said recessed portion, a knob mounted on the front of said panel, a pin on said knob extending through said panel and said front wall of said box, said panel and said wall of said box being suitably apertured for the reception of said pin, and a securing element extending from said recessed portion through said raised portion of said panel into detachably securing engagement with said knob, whereby said securing element also secures said panel to said ash-receiving box and said pin to prevent relative rotation between said box, said panel and said knob.

6. An ash receptacle comprising an ash-receiving box having a frusto-conical recess in a front wall thereof, a sheet metal decorative panel having a complementary pressed-up frusto-conical portion seated in said wall recess in said box, said pressed-up portion also providing a frusto-conical recess in the front face of said panel, the recessed portions of said box and said panel having two sets of opposing apertures therein, a knob disposed in the recess of said panel and carrying a pin which extends through one of said sets of opposing apertures in said recessed portions of said box and said panel, and a detachable fastening lement extending through the other of said sets of opposing apertures in the recesses of said box wall and said panel into clamping engagement with said knob.

7. An ash receptacle comprising an ash-re ceiving box having a frusto-conical recess in a front wall thereof, a sheet metal decorative panel having a complementary turned-up frusto-conical portion seated in said wall recess in said box, said pressed-up portion also providing a frustoconical recess in the front face of said panel, the recessed portions of said box and said panel having two sets of opposing apertures therein, a knob disposed in the recess of said panel and carrying a pin which extends through one of said sets of opposing apertures in said recessed portions of said box and said panel, and a detachable fastening element extending through the other of said sets of opposing apertures in the recesses of said box wall and said panel into clamping engagement with said knob, said front wall of said box also being provided with a depending tongue, and said panel being provided with an upstanding lip which makes an inter locking engagement with said tongue.

8. An ash receptacle comprising an ash-receiving box having a recessed portion in a front wall thereof, a decorative panel detachably mounted over the front wall of said box and having a raised portion on the rear thereof seated in and complementary to said recessed portion, said front wall of said box also being provided with a depending tongue, and said panel being provided with an upstanding lip which hooks over the lower end of said tongue, a knob mounted on the front of said panel opposite said raised portion, and an attaching element for detachably securing said panel and said knob to said box which extends through said recessed portion and said raised portion into detachable securing engagement with said knob.

9. An ash receptacle comprising an ash-receiving box, a decorative panel disposed over the front wall of said box, said panel and box wall having nested portions and a knob, said box, panel and knob being detachably secured. together by means including a relative rotation preventing pin extending from said knob through said nested portions of said panel and the wall of said box, and a threaded fastening element extending through nested portions of said wall of said box and said panel into threaded engagement with said knob.

JOHN VISSER. 

